NTU invites entries for inaugural Singapore Global Digital Art Prize

To recognise outstanding creativity in art, design and cultural heritage that makes significant use of digital tools in its creation, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) of Singapore is inviting entries for the inaugural NTU Singapore Global Digital Art Prize.

“To be awarded for the first time in 2019, the prize will see top winners receive cash prizes of up to SGD25,000 and the opportunity to premiere their works at a major symposium by the NTU Institute of Science and Technology for Humanity (NISTH) in October 2019,” said NTU in a press release issued today. This will be a biennial international competition and the submissions are invited from December 17, 2018.

The theme for the first edition of the Prize is ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’. It aims to highlight the impact of technological transformation on society and the human condition, as the convergence of the physical, biological, and digital worlds brings about numerous opportunities and challenges.

Speaking about the competition, Professor Subra Suresh, NTU president, said, “NTU Singapore is at the leading edge of research and teaching in many key components driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as big data, the Internet of Things, robotics, AI, and machine learning. This art competition challenges participants to explore the relationship between art and design, and these emerging technologies, as part of a wider debate and discussion about the impact of technology on society.”

Professor Subra Suresh, NTU president. Photo courtesy: NTU

“As digital technology has entered all aspects of our lives, the NTU Global Digital Art Prize is well-positioned to nurture and catalyse the vast potential of creativity in digital art, culture and technology to improve the human condition,” he added.

This competition is open to artists, technologists and other professionals working in any genre or type of art are eligible, as long as more than half of their artwork entry involves digital technology. This may include artificial intelligence and robotics, animation, bio-art, digital video & film, digital painting, immersive media, and any other forms that employ digital technology.

The competition has two categories: Professional (International), and Students (from any Singapore tertiary institution). Each category will award a top prize and commendation awards for excellence, creativity and innovation. The top prize is SGD25,000 for professional artists and SGD10,000 for students.

The theme for the first edition of the NTU Singapore Global Digital Art Prize is ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’. Photo courtesy: NTU

A panel of judges will choose the winning entries who will represent some of the most distinguished artists and scholars in this field.

Shortlisted and winning artists will have their works exhibited in a special event connected with a major symposium on the same theme “The Fourth Industrial Revolution” that will be hosted by NISTH in October 2019.

Participants should send their submissions at the latest by February 15, 2019.